The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has issued an explanatory press release, which can be read HERE, to specify that the activity of companies dedicated to the production of fertilizers and inputs must be maintained during the State of Alarm, given that they are essential to guarantee the food supply to the population. This communication comes after the doubts raised in the agricultural, livestock and fishing sectors after the entry into force of the Royal Decree declaring the State of Alarm, with regard to the continuation of their activity. The press release states that farmers, stockbreeders, fish farmers and fishermen “must be able to carry out the necessary work to guarantee the continuation of their activity”.
The press release stipulates: “Agricultural, livestock and aquaculture production, as well as fishing activity, the transformation of agricultural and fishery products, veterinary centres or clinics, the transport and distribution of food, as well as its marketing through retail sales to consumers, are all part of the food supply chain and such activity must be guaranteed during the state of alarm. This implies the continuation of the activity of agri-food companies as a whole, including agricultural, livestock, aquaculture and fishing activity, as well as that of the companies which, in turn, supply them with the inputs necessary for their operation”.
Specifically, paragraph 1 of this press release states that: “Agricultural, livestock, aquaculture and fishing activities require the use of inputs for their correct functioning, such as the use of fertilizers, phytosanitary products, seeds and seedlings, veterinary products, animal feed, salt, ice, supplies, etc. Therefore, the activity of retailers that supply such inputs must continue, given that they are essential activities to ensure primary production and, thus, the public food supply.
Likewise, in the modification to Royal Decree 465/2020, for the management of COVID-19, it is specified that “the activity of any establishment that, in the opinion of the competent authority, may pose a risk of contagion due to the conditions in which it is carried out” will be suspended. Therefore, not only it is recommended to observe the provisions set out in the regulations but, out of solidarity and common sense, to take all the necessary health measures and precautions established by the management of BRANDT Europe since the declaration of the State of Alarm, both in the case of the public and the company’s employees, such as establishing previous appointments and, as far as possible, delivering the product where it is necessary.
